Quick Details
Double Rooms
1 large bed for 2 people to share
£ 3,100
Twin Rooms
2 single beds for 2 people
£ 3,100
Triple Rooms
3 single beds for 3 people
£ 4,650
Single Occupancy Rooms
1 Bed for 1 Person
£ 1,950
The Ultimate Isle of Islay Whisky Tour
For whisky enthusiasts, Islay is legendary.
This small Hebridean island produces some of the most distinctive Scotch whisky in the world. Powerful peat smoke, maritime character and centuries of distilling tradition combine to create whiskies that are instantly recognisable.
With ten working distilleries located across a dramatic Atlantic landscape, Islay offers a whisky experience unlike anywhere else in Scotland.
This five day tour is designed for travellers who want to experience the island in depth, visiting many of Islay’s renowned distilleries while also exploring its historic sites, coastal scenery and local culture.visiting every active distillery while also exploring its historic sites, coastal scenery and local culture.
Distilleries You Will Visit
During this tour you will explore most of Islay’s working distilleries, each offering its own distinctive style, character and story.
• Oban – classic West Highland single malt
• Bunnahabhain – unpeated, robust and complex coastal whisky
• Caol Ila – refined peated whisky overlooking the Sound of Islay
• Ardnahoe – Islay’s newest distillery with spectacular island views
• Kilchoman – traditional farm distillery producing craft whisky
• Bruichladdich – innovative distilling with remarkable variety
• Bowmore – one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries
• Lagavulin – rich and intensely smoky single malt
• Ardbeg – legendary peated whisky loved by enthusiasts
• Laphroaig – bold maritime whisky with unmistakable character
Together they create one of the most complete whisky journeys available in Scotland.
* Distillery visits may take place in a different order depending on availability and opening times, but the overall experience will remain the same.
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Your journey begins in Edinburgh as you travel north through the landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. After a stop in Callander, the route continues through dramatic Highland scenery before arriving in the coastal town of Oban.
Lunch in Oban
Oban is known as the seafood capital of Scotland. You will have time to explore the harbour and enjoy lunch before your first whisky experience.
Oban Distillery
Your first distillery visit is Oban Distillery, located in the heart of the town. A guided tour introduces you to the traditional production process before a tasting of this classic West Highland single malt.
Ferry to Islay
In the evening you travel south to Kennacraig to board the ferry to Islay. The crossing takes around two hours and offers views across the Hebrides towards Jura and the Atlantic coast. Dinner and drinks are available on board. After arriving on Islay, a short drive brings you to Bowmore, where you settle into your accommodation for the next four nights.
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Today explores several distilleries located along Islay’s dramatic northern coastline.
Bunnahabhain Distillery
Your morning begins with an exclusive tasting at Bunnahabhain, beautifully positioned beside the Sound of Jura, and featuring a selection of cask strength drams.
Caol Ila Distillery
Next you visit Caol Ila, the island’s largest distillery. Its whiskies are known for elegant peat smoke balanced by fresh coastal flavours.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch before continuing the afternoon’s whisky experiences.
Ardnahoe Distillery
The afternoon brings a visit to Ardnahoe, Islay’s newest distillery. Here you enjoy a guided tour followed by a memorable warehouse tasting directly from the cask.
Islay Whisky Vault
The day concludes with a tasting at the Islay Whisky Vault, offering another perspective on the island’s whisky styles.
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Today you explore the western side of the island.
Kilchoman Distillery
Your first stop is Kilchoman, one of Scotland’s few farm distilleries. A guided tour reveals the entire whisky making process, including one of the island’s working malting floors.
Bruichladdich Distillery
Next you visit Bruichladdich, a distillery known for pushing the boundaries of Scotch whisky. Inside the warehouse you enjoy a tasting of whisky drawn directly from the cask.
Lunch
After lunch, the day continues with another iconic distillery.
Bowmore Distillery
At Bowmore, one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, you experience an exclusive tasting that reveals the elegant balance of fruit, smoke and maritime character that defines Bowmore whisky.
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The southern coastline of Islay is home to three of the most legendary names in Scotch whisky.
Lagavulin Distillery
The day begins with a tour and tasting at Lagavulin, famous for its rich, smoky and complex whiskies.
Ardbeg Distillery
Next you visit Ardbeg, where you enjoy a five dram tasting alongside lunch at the distillery café overlooking the Atlantic.
Laphroaig Distillery
Your final distillery visit is Laphroaig, known for its bold peat smoke and distinctive maritime character. The guided tour concludes with a tasting of this iconic whisky.
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After breakfast you board the morning ferry back to Kennacraig.
Lunch in Inveraray
Back on the mainland, you travel north to the picturesque town of Inveraray, home to Clan Campbell and a perfect stop for lunch.
Journey through the Highlands
Your route back follows the shores of Loch Fyne before climbing through the dramatic mountain pass known as Rest and Be Thankful. The tour concludes in Edinburgh in the late afternoon.
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Accommodation is on a B&B basis in the Bowmore House and Freewinds, next door to one another in Bowmore. Your welcome and breakfast will be provided by the fantastic Andrew and Alison. Spacious and comfortable rooms, a fantastic feast of breakfast each morning and hosts that go above and beyond for every one of their guests. There’s a reason we come back here year after year!
Who This Tour Is Perfect For
This tour is ideal for:
• whisky enthusiasts who want to visit many of Islay’s famous distilleries
• travellers interested in cask tastings and warehouse experiences
• visitors looking for a deeper understanding of Scotch whisky production
• anyone who wants to explore Scotland’s whisky culture beyond the cities
This tour may not suit travellers looking for a light sightseeing itinerary with only a few tastings.
Why Travel with Scottish Routes
Small group experience: Tours are limited to 16 guests, creating a relaxed and personal atmosphere.
Expert whisky guides: Your guide brings together deep local knowledge and a passion for Scotch whisky.
Exclusive tastings: Many experiences include warehouse drams and cask samples rarely available outside the distillery.
Carefully crafted itineraries: Every day balances distillery visits, island landscapes and time to enjoy Islay itself.
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- No matter what the time of year, the weather in Scotland can be “changeable”, to say the least. We suggest that you bring suitable clothing for all conditions, including a waterproof jacket (it has been known to rain in Scotland) and plenty of layers.
- Ensure you bring shoes suitable for short walks, on rough or uneven terrain.
- Although all the distilleries we visit accept card payments, we would also recommend bringing cash with you.
- Don’t forget a camera to snap the fantastic memories you’ll make on tour with us!
- Our scheduled tours are all 18+, if you’re lucky enough to look under 25 you may to asked to provide proof of age at the distilleries.
- Please limit your luggage to 1 x small/medium piece per person, along with 1 x small handbag or daypack.